Archives for October 9, 2018

‘The captain scored two goals and was flying all around the KeyBank Center ice, looking every bit the superstar the Sabres need him to be. No coincidence Buffalo doubled up the Vegas Golden Knights, 4-2, to push its record to 2-1 for the first time since 2013 with a solid win against a team that was in the Stanley Cup final a scant four months ago.’

‘“Oh my God, this guy, he’s an Instagram model,” fellow defenseman Marco Scandella said. “It’s hilarious. I just chirp at him all the time. But he definitely works his (butt) off in the summer. That’s why he puts it up. That’s no joke. … That’s him day in, day out. He’s actually showing the real him.’

‘”He’s leading by example with his work ethic by being a good pro but obviously he’s backed it up,” said coach Phil Housley. “He’s had some really good games for us, especially the last two. When we’ve needed a save, he’s come up with it. It’s great to see him voice his opinion after game one. I think the guys took it to heart and you’re seeing the result of what he’s saying.”‘

‘“It’s amazing, those guys have been the most consistent (line) since they were put together,” Sabres coach Phil Housley said after Pominville scored in Monday afternoon’s 4-2 win against the Vegas Golden Knights. “They’ve had some good opportunities and looks, but (they’re) very trustworthy, reliable. I can put them in a D-zone faceoff against the opposing team’s best lines.’

‘Three games in, there’s no way of knowing if this will be the year when the Buffalo Sabres finally take a step forward and qualify for the playoffs. But based on what we’ve seen so far, they certainly look a lot better than they did a year ago — or any of the previous five years.’

‘Buffalo wasted no time re-gaining their two goal lead. Off of a face-off Marco Scandella took a shot from the point that hit off of a Golden Knight defenseman and ended up in the net. Okposo and Patrik Berglund recieved the assists. The lead ballooned to three when Jason Pominville buried his first goal of the season. The tally came on just the third shot of the period by Buffalo. Evan Ridrigues and Zemgus Girgensons assisted on the goal that made it 4-1.’